Almost 25% of the people in the United States go to the gym hoping to lose weight and achieve that body they’ve dreamed of. However, some people quit sooner before achieving this goal as they are stuck on a plateau. And as such, people get frustrated and decide that they just need to do a different routine that would help them with their weight loss.

However, according to fitness coaches, people make many muscle-building mistakes without even realizing it. So, to help you on your way to the perfect body, this article contains a compiled list of the most common mistakes people make when trying to build muscle.

1. No Plan

In case you don’t know, muscle building requires careful planning, and it usually involves a combination of weightlifting and a healthy diet. Not having a plan will only set you up for failure, as you won’t be able to monitor your progress and make the necessary adjustments along the way.

If you don’t know how to do proper planning for your muscle building, you must consider these factors:

• Your current weight and body fat percentage
• Your goal weight and body fat percentage
• Your current exercise routine
• The amount of weight you can lift
• The amount of protein to consume every day

Once you have all this information, you can start creating your muscle-building plan.

2. Not Eating Enough Protein

One of the most important aspects of muscle building is consuming enough protein. Many fitness coaches advise their clients to include as much protein as possible. Protein is essential for repairing and building muscle tissue, so if you’re not eating enough, you’ll see a decrease in your muscle mass.

To ensure you’re consuming enough protein, consume 0.8 grams for every pound. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, eat at least 120 grams of protein per day.

3. Not Lifting Heavy Enough

Some people don’t pay more attention to lifting heavy weights and instead opt for classic cardio and other workouts as they seem easier. However, this should be different when you’re building muscle. This is because lifting heavy weights can help you burn more calories, both during and after your workout, since it requires more energy and burns more calories than lighter weights. 

If you’re just starting, consider hiring a fitness coach who can help you design a weightlifting routine appropriate for your level. This way, you don’t end up having injuries, and you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your weightlifting routine.

4. Overtraining

Overtraining leads to a decrease in muscle mass, as well as a decrease in strength. This is because when you overtrain, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that breaks down muscle tissue.

Make sure you’re working out only a few times a week and giving your body enough time to recover. This means at least one day of rest in between your workouts. This way, you enjoy the benefits of working out while avoiding overtraining and potential injuries.

Final Thoughts

There are several muscle-building mistakes that you must avoid to reach your fitness goals. These include not lifting heavy enough weights, not eating enough protein, and not getting enough rest. By following these simple tips, you can avoid common mistakes and maximize your muscle growth.

Fission Fusion Fitness is a members-only gym you can trust for your muscle-building needs. Our team of professional and equipped fitness coaches in Dubai can help you reach your fitness goals, whether you’re looking to bulk up or simply tone up. Schedule a free trial session with us today!